Our Blog

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Komodo Dragon Update

Our Komodo Dragons are now on exhibit at Unseen New World.

“Agnes and Tula are the same age and close in size, currently around seven lbs. each,” said Jon Rold, area supervisor of herpetology. “At their previous exhibit in Unseen New World, they were able to see and smell each other through the mesh barrier, so they had time to get used to the other’s presence. They are doing great at Critter Encounter and are learning new training to aid in feeding and management in their new larger home. “

Olivia is about six months younger than Agnes and Tula, and about half their size.

“Because Olivia is smaller than the other two, it would be risky to introduce her to them right now,” said Rold. “She was little nervous in her new home on exhibit, but has settled into all the activity quite well.”

Komodo Dragons are native to the volcanic islands of Indonesia. They are carnivorous apex predators, meaning they reside at the top of the food chain. . They are also known for being efficient eaters, managing to eat 80 percent of their body weight in one meal. As an adult, that’s over 100 lbs. of meat. Komodo Dragons are listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature as vulnerable due to habitat loss, loss of prey species, hunting and persecution. Fewer than 2,500 remain in the wild.

You can learn more about the Komodo dragons at our keeper talk every Sunday at 10 a.m.